Hard-working United’s defeat to Bayern Munich is no shame – but problems need addressing with transfers

Manchester United bow out of the Champions League for what looks like at least a 12-month period despite two hard-working displays against Bayern Munich (Picture: AP)

Manchester United will most probably have no Champions League football for at least the next 12 months following a 4-2 aggregate defeat to the European champions Bayern Munich in Bavaria – however, there is no shame in defeat for David Moyes’ men.

David Moyes’ side were once again industrious and played with heart, but in top-level European competition that can only take you so far.

Although the impact of suspensions and injuries had taken it’s toll on Pep Guardiola’s squad, the sheer quality of Munich’s starting XI shone through as the game entered its final quarter and United simply couldn’t cope.

Guardiola once again proved himself to be the constantly thinking manager we all know through his invention of a ‘false two’, with Philipp Lahm being utilised as a right-back/central midfielder, such was the lack of support for either Danny Welbeck or Shinji Kagawa on the left-flank.

Bayern were at times sloppy, by their own high standards, just as they were against Arsenal in the previous round and could have been punished for it.

Manchester United worked their socks off over two legs against the best team in the world and came up short – there is no shame in that

But, as Arjen Robben suggested in his post-match interview, that was the wake-up call the Germans needed and, after Mario Mandzukic drew them level, United’s defensive confidence unravelled. All of a sudden the match became far too open.

The sheer quality of Bayern’s Arjen Robben came through in the final 25 minutes as the Dutchman ran United ragged (Picture: AP)

The space on the right was significant and Arjen Robben made premium use of it, causing Evra all sorts of problems for the remaining 25 minutes. United, after a fantastic physical effort, were spent and Bayern’s quality showed.

United’s defeat shouldn’t be the cause of too much complaint, of course, as this is how a malaise can snowball. But the work ethic from the players which was missing against Liverpool was at least in evidence. It was a simple contrast in quality between the two teams which proved crucial.

A younger left-back capable of working for 90 minutes could have reduced Arjen Robben’s effectiveness when the game became stretched. A lynchpin of a holding midfielder could have taken pressure off the defence and given the back four time to rest physically by keeping the ball and distributing it sensibly.

These areas can’t be addressed before July, at least not officially, but they need to be.

Manchester United worked their socks off over two legs against the best team in the world and came up short – there is no shame in that. However, it will only be when higher quality players are brought in that United will be able to take on teams such as Bayern and face them on a level playing field.